Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse man who was killed in a fire last week died trying to save the woman whom he lived with, witnesses told police.

Bruce Payne, 55, and Pamela Martin, 59, both lived at 1315 N. Salina St. Apt. 1, police said. Both victims died Friday night in their home due to fire-related injuries and smoke inhalation. Police identified them for the first time today.

Witnesses have reported that Payne was outside the apartment when the fire started but went back inside the apartment in an effort to save Martin, police said.

The fire started on the first floor where the two victims were found, Lt. John Cussen said. When firefighters arrived, flames were shooting from the windows.

Firefighters called in a second alarm to protect the building next door, where the outside was damaged by flames. The fire was under control within 30 minutes but it took firefighters until 2 a.m. to put out hot spots in the ceiling and walls, firefighters said.